As goalscorers are rated by how many they rack up, goalkeepers are also bound to their numbers. Goals allowed and save percentage reveal much about a keeper’s performance, yet thebest keepers are those that can also command the penalty area and deny opponents at crucial stages in the match. Points and places in the standings […]
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MLS Positional Rankings (Left Backs/Wingbacks): Morrow's work in dominant Toronto FC season rates top billing
The versatility shown by Justin Morrow, one of two outside backs to leave San Jose and wind up in Toronto, is just one example of why MLS teams are morewilling to use different alignments in the back. The left back in a standard four-man backline could be shuttled forward, a la Morrow, to play the […]
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MLS Positional Rankings (Centerbacks, Left): Marshall anchors Seattle's improved defense
Left-sided defenders don’t receive the same notice from fans and observers as left wings and left backs, yet are a vital component of a solid team defense. They are assigned to plugup that channel most teams prefer to attack with right-sided forwards and midfielders, and the best centerbacks can also deliver accurate service up their […]
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MLS Positional Rankings (Right Backs/Wingbacks): Zusi holds firm against younger foes
A few more MLS teams than in past seasons are deviating from the standard four-man back line, yet for the most part the right back is same as he ever was. The big money spent by manyteams on TAM attackers, however, has made life tougher for the wide defenders. To get more of them on […]
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MLS Positional Rankings (Holding Midfielders): Embattled Alonso holds his place among defensive anchors
As MLS has evolved, so too has the class of midfielders labeled as “defensive” or “holding.” Typically, they are not tasked with offensive duties, other than toget the ball to a teammate once it has been secured. Yet the player who can destroy opponents’ attacks yet do little else is not nearly as valued as […]
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Greg Vanney is named Concacaf men's Coach of the Year
Greg Vanney needs a bit more room in his trophy case. On Tuesday CONCACAF named him its Men’s Coach of the Year. The Toronto FC mentor had already won honors as MLS Coachof the Year for a record-breaking season that included the Supporters’ Shield, Canadian Championship and MLS Cup titles. Vanney, 43, was guiding TFC’s […]
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Ayo Akinola becomes 12th 2017 U-17 World Cup player to turn pro
Ayo Akinola signed with Toronto FC as a Homegrown Player, becoming the 12th player from the 2017 U.S. Under-17 World Cup team to turn pro. He is also the 15th player in TFC historyto sign for the first team from the Toronto FC Academy. “Ayo is the third product of the full player pathway designed […]
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MLS Positional Rankings (Left Midfielders/Wingers): Piatti leads the pack in goals and presence
As more teams playing with wingers in three-forward alignments, the role of a traditional left midfielder has undergone some change. Wingers stay high and if defenders well behind themneed defensive help, a midfielder needs to pick up slack. Teams that play with two blocks of our seldom use wingers, but still the wide midfielders are […]
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MLS Moves: Toronto FC picks up five options, declines eight
As MLS Cup champion, Toronto FC was granted a couple of extra days to finalize its offseason roster decisions. TFC announced Thursday it has exercised options for the 2018 season on five playersand declined options on eight others. Four players, including captain Drew Moor, are out of contract. Contract options have been renewed for deals […]
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MLS Positional Rankings (Forwards): Giovinco still the gold standard
One of the recent trends in soccer parlance is lumping strikers and forwards and sometimes wingers and attacking midfielders into the general category of “attackers.” Since somany teams often line up with one player furthest forward, whether he be called a striker or forward, the more general term often applies. And when teams like New […]